McSheffrey & Hopper nearing Iron comebacks

Scunthorpe have been boosted by the news that injured duo Gary McSheffrey and Tom Hopper are nearing a return to first team action.

Hopper, who has been out since October with a dislocated shoulder, could return to the squad for this weekend’s clash against Colchester United after rejoining full time training this week.

Meanwhile, McSheffrey underwent surgery on his knee in early December.

“Saturday comes probably a bit too soon as they’ve both been out for a while – certainly it will be tough for Gary,” caretaker manager Nick Daws told the Scunthorpe Telegraph.

“But they’re both pretty much ahead of schedule, which is a credit to the surgeons and the medical team here – who have done a fantastic job – and the players themselves for really pushing to get back.

“Tom’s been back in training for a couple of days, though he’s been out longer and Gary’s not quite back in full-time training, though that might come sooner than expected.

“I know everyone is chomping at the bit to get a game, but there’s only 11 we can pick and we will pick the most able side physically, mentally and tactically that we feel can do the job.”

Daws revealed that Darius Henderson had also been nursing a niggling injury, but could return to the squad after taking part in training this week.